A Russia-flagged tanker carrying 730,000 barrels of oil has docked in Cuba, marking the first time in the three month oil blockade by the Trump gangester regime. At the same time Chinese renewable energy installation and food aid proceed despite U.S. sanction threats
The Russian tanker Anatoly Kolodkin shipment arrived despite US sanctions and current energy blockade of Cuba. The vessel breached US sanctions unchallenged, entering Cuban territorial waters late on Sunday, not far from the US Navy base at Guantanamo Bay.
The US was not willing to risk an attempt at illegally interdicting the Russian ship in international waters – unlike its treatement of Venezuelan and Mexican tankers. Likewise, China has not been intimiated by US threats and has delivered renewable energy technology. Three weeks ago the first shipment of 60,000 tons of rice donated by Chinas to Cuba arrived.
The Trump regime claimed its decision to “allow” the tanker to reach Cuba was for “humanitarian” reasons. This is clearly a ridiculous claim given Cuba’s energy crisis and the associated socio-economic impacts are the direct result of US piracy and its fuel blockade.
The tanker entered the Bay of Matanzas – Cuba’s largest supertanker and fuel storage port. The ship was carrying Russian Urals crude, a medium sour crude, which is a good fit for Cuba’s older refineries.
Cuba’s energy alliance with China
China has provided targeted support on renewables and power-equipment maintenance to help Cuba reduce reliance on imported fuel.
Cuba’s energy infrastructure crisis has catalysed a transformative partnership with China that extends far beyond traditional bilateral trade relationships. Cuba’s energy alliance with China represents a sophisticated strategy with Beijing focuses on facilitating the deployment of renewable energy technology.
Key Strategic Components include:
• Manufacturing and installation of solar panels and microgrids
• Technical expertise deployment and knowledge transfer
• Grid integration technology and smart systems installation
• Long-term maintenance and operational support frameworks
China shipped $5 million worth of solar equipment to Cuba in 2023, dramatically increasing to $117 million in 2025, representing a 2,240 percent increase in just two years. This exponential growth demonstrates China’s commitment to Cuba’s energy transition.
The Cuba energy alliance with China includes pledges to construct nearly 100 solar parks by 2028, with more than half already operational as of March 2026.
China also backs construction of Cuba’s largest wind farm to date – La Herradura 1 – is currently under construction, funded by Chinese investment. The first stage consists of the installation of 22 wind turbines to generate 33 MW of clean power.
China also has also provided powerplant spare parts and repair assistance and technical support for Cuba’s thermal and diesel plants (generators,
turbine parts, control systems, pumps), enabling quick
repairs and longer operation between imported fuel deliveries.
These actions with China indicate a comprehensive approach to renewable energy infrastructure development that mirrors successful battery-grade lithium refinery projects in other regions.
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